Expandable intervertebral implant

ABSTRACT

An intervertebral implant is configured to be implanted in an intervertebral space in a first initial configuration. Subsequently, an actuator is configured to be driven in an actuation direction such that the actuator urges the implant to expand along a first expansion direction. Once the implant has been fully expanded along the first expansion direction, the actuator is configured to be further driven in the actuation direction so as to expand the implant in a second expansion direction that is perpendicular to the first expansion direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/842,058filed Apr. 7, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/986,156 filed Mar. 6, 2020, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to orthopedic implantable devices, andmore particularly implantable devices for stabilizing the spine. Evenmore particularly, the present disclosure is directed to expandable,angularly adjustable intervertebral cages comprising articulatingmechanisms that allow expansion from a first, insertion configurationhaving a reduced size to a second, implanted configuration having anexpanded size. The intervertebral cages are configured to adjust andadapt to lodortic angles, particularly larger lodortic angles, whilerestoring sagittal balance and alignment of the spine.

2. Description of the Related Art

The use of fusion-promoting interbody implantable devices, oftenreferred to as cages or spacers, is well known as the standard of carefor the treatment of certain spinal disorders or diseases. For example,in one type of spinal disorder, the intervertebral disc has deterioratedor become damaged due to acute injury or trauma, disc disease or simplythe natural aging process. A healthy intervertebral disc serves tostabilize the spine and distribute forces between vertebrae, as well ascushion the vertebral bodies. A weakened or damaged disc thereforeresults in an imbalance of forces and instability of the spine,resulting in discomfort and pain. A typical treatment may involvesurgical removal of a portion or all of the diseased or damagedintervertebral disc in a process known as a partial or total discectomy,respectively. The discectomy is often followed by the insertion of acage or spacer to stabilize this weakened or damaged spinal region. Thiscage or spacer serves to reduce or inhibit mobility in the treated area,in order to avoid further progression of the damage and/or to reduce oralleviate pain caused by the damage or injury. Moreover, these type ofcages or spacers serve as mechanical or structural scaffolds to restoreand maintain normal disc height, and in some cases, can also promotebony fusion between the adjacent vertebrae.

However, one of the current challenges of these types of procedures isthe very limited working space afforded the surgeon to manipulate andinsert the cage into the intervertebral area to be treated. Access tothe intervertebral space requires navigation around retracted adjacentvessels and tissues such as the aorta, vena cava, dura and nerve roots,leaving a very narrow pathway for access. The opening to the intradiscalspace itself is also relatively small. Hence, there are physicallimitations on the actual size of the cage that can be inserted withoutsignificantly disrupting the surrounding tissue or the vertebral bodiesthemselves.

Further complicating the issue is the fact that the vertebral bodies arenot positioned parallel to one another in a normal spine. There is anatural curvature to the spine due to the angular relationship of thevertebral bodies relative to one another. The ideal cage must be able toaccommodate this angular relationship of the vertebral bodies, or elsethe cage will not sit properly when inside the intervertebral space. Animproperly fitted cage would either become dislodged or migrate out ofposition, and lose effectiveness over time, or worse, further damage thealready weakened area.

Thus, it is desirable to provide intervertebral cages or spacers thatnot only have the mechanical strength or structural integrity to restoredisc height or vertebral alignment to the spinal segment to be treated,but also be configured to easily pass through the narrow access pathwayinto the intervertebral space, and then accommodate the angularconstraints of this space, particularly for larger lodortic angles.

SUMMARY

In one example, an intervertebral implant can include an implant bodythat defines a superior body configured to face a superior vertebra, andan inferior body configured to face an inferior vertebra. The implantcan further include an actuator supported by the implant body, theactuator movable in the implant body from an initial position to a firstexpansion position, and subsequently from the first expansion positionto a second expansion position. Movement of the actuator from theinitial position to the first expansion position causes the actuator tourge the implant body to expand along a first direction of expansion,and movement of the actuator from the first expansion position to thesecond expansion position causes the actuator to urge the implant bodyto expand along a second direction of expansion that is perpendicular tothe first direction of expansion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments of the present application, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurposes of illustrating the locking structures of the presentapplication, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. Itshould be understood, however, that the application is not limited tothe precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a pair of intervertebral implants inserted into anintervertebral space in a first insertion configuration;

FIG. 1B shows the intervertebral implants of FIG. 1A expanded along afirst direction of expansion;

FIG. 1C shows the intervertebral implants of FIG. 1B further expandedalong a second direction of expansion;

FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of an implant body of the pair ofintervertebral implants illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the implant body illustrated inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of an intervertebral implant ofthe pair of intervertebral implants illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the intervertebralimplant illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an exploded sectional side elevation view of theintervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a sectional side elevation view of the intervertebral implantillustrated in FIG. 3A, showing the implant in a first or initialconfiguration;

FIG. 4B is a sectional side elevation view of the intervertebral implantof FIG. 4A, but showing the implant expanded along a first direction ofexpansion;

FIG. 5A is another sectional side elevation view of the intervertebralimplant illustrated in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the intervertebral implantillustrated in FIG. 5A, showing the implant expanded along a seconddirection of expansion;

FIG. 5C is a side elevation view of the intervertebral implantillustrated in FIG. 5B, showing the implant further expanded along thesecond direction of expansion;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of theintervertebral implant of FIG. 3A, showing a locking assemblyconstructed in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the portion of theintervertebral implant of FIG. 6A, showing the locking assembly in alocked configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure provides various spinal or intervertebralimplants, such as interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertionbetween adjacent vertebrae. The devices can be configured for use ineither the cervical or lumbar region of the spine. In some embodiments,these devices are configured as PLIF cages, or posterior lumbarinterbody fusion cages. These cages can restore and maintainintervertebral height of the spinal segment to be treated, and stabilizethe spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. In someembodiments, the cages may contain an articulating mechanism to allowexpansion and angular adjustment. This articulating mechanism allowsupper and lower plate components to glide smoothly relative to oneanother.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, one or more intervertebral implants 20 can beinserted into an intervertebral space 22 in a first, insertionconfiguration characterized by a first reduced size its insertion end tofacilitate insertion through a narrow access passage. The one or moreintervertebral implants 20 can be inserted in a PLIF approach into theintervertebral space. However, it is recognized that the one or moreintervertebral implants 20 can be inserted along any suitable approachas desired. While a pair of intervertebral implants 20 are showninserted into the intervertebral space, it is also appreciated that asingle implant can be inserted into the intervertebral space having anysuitable size and shape as desired. The intervertebral space 22 isdefined by a superior vertebra 24 and an inferior vertebra 26 that arespaced from each other along a transverse direction T, which defines acranial-caudal direction when the intervertebral implant 20 is disposedin the intervertebral space 22. As described herein, structure,elements, devices, and method steps described in the plural applies withequal force and effect to the singular unless otherwise indicated. Forinstance, while a pair of intervertebral implants 20 are illustrated asimplanted in the intervertebral space 22 in FIG. 1A, it is appreciatedthat a single intervertebral implant 20 can alternatively be implantedin the intervertebral space 22. Conversely, as described herein,structure, elements, devices, and method steps described in the singularapplies with equal force and effect to the plural unless otherwiseindicated.

The intervertebral implants 20 may be inserted having the first reducedsize as illustrated in FIG. 1A, and then expanded to a second, expandedconfiguration having an expanded size once implanted, as illustrated inFIGS. 1B and 1C. The second expanded size is greater than the firstreduced size in at least one direction. In some embodiments, the secondexpanded size is greater than the first reduced size along twoperpendicular directions that are each perpendicular to the direction ofinsertion. In their second expanded configuration, the cages are able tomaintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoringsagittal balance and alignment.

For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the second expandedconfiguration can include a first expansion in a lateral direction Athat is oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction T. Inparticular, the intervertebral implant 20 can expand in a firstdirection of expansion to achieve the first expansion along the lateraldirection A. Thus, the first direction of expansion can be along thelateral direction A. That is, the implant has a first width along thelateral direction A in the first reduced size, and a second width alongthe lateral direction A in the second expanded size that is greater thanthe first width.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the second expanded configurationcan include a second expansion in a transverse direction T. Inparticular, the intervertebral implant 20 can expand in a seconddirection of expansion to achieve the second expansion along thetransverse direction T. Thus, the second direction of expansion can bealong the transverse direction T.

As described in more detail below, the intervertebral implant 20 canexpand only along the first direction of expansion without expanding inthe second direction of expansion. Subsequently, the intervertebralimplant can expand only along the second direction of expansion withoutexpanding in the first direction of expansion. In some examples, theimplant can simultaneously expand along both the first and seconddirections of expansion after expanding only along the first directionof expansion and prior to expanding only along the second direction ofexpansion. Further, in some examples the intervertebral implant 20 canbe expandable in the second direction of expansion only after expansionin the first direction of expansion has been completed.

It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the intervertebral implant20 may also be designed to expand in either or both of the first andsecond directions of expansion in a freely selectable (or stepless)manner to reach its second expanded configuration. The intervertebralimplant 20 can further be configured to be able to adjust the angle oflordosis, and can accommodate larger lodortic angles in its secondexpanded configuration. Further, the intervertebral implant 20 maypromote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing theadjacent vertebral bodies.

Additionally, the intervertebral implant 20 may be manufactured usingselective laser melting (SLM) techniques, a form of additivemanufacturing. The intervertebral implant 20 may also be manufactured byother comparable techniques, such as for example, 3D printing, electronbeam melting (EBM), layer deposition, and rapid manufacturing. Withthese production techniques, it is possible to create an all-in-one,multi-component device which may have interconnected and movable partswithout further need for external fixation or attachment elements tokeep the components together. Accordingly, the intervertebral implant 20disclosed herein can be formed of multiple, interconnected parts that donot require additional external fixation elements to keep together.

The intervertebral implant 20 manufactured in this manner does not haveconnection seams in some examples, whereas devices traditionallymanufactured would have joined seams to connect one component toanother. These connection seams can often represent weakened areas oftraditionally manufactured implantable devices, particularly when thebonds of these seams wear or break over time with repeated use or understress. By manufacturing the present intervertebral implant 20 usingadditive manufacturing, connection seams are avoided entirely andtherefore the problem is avoided.

In addition, by manufacturing the intervertebral implant 20 using anadditive manufacturing process, all of the components of theintervertebral implant 20 (including both an implant body and anactuator that is configured to expand the implant body as describedbelow) remain a complete construct during both the insertion process aswell as the expansion process. That is, multiple components of theintervertebral implant 20 are provided together as a collective singleunit so that the collective single unit is inserted into the patient,actuated to allow expansion, and then allowed to remain as a collectivesingle unit in situ. In contrast to other implantable implants requiringinsertion of external screws or wedges for expansion, in the presentembodiments the actuator does not need to be inserted into the cage, norremoved from the cage, at any stage during the process in some examples.This is because the actuator is manufactured to be captured internal tothe implant body, and while freely movable within the cage, are alreadycontained within the implant body so that no additional insertion orremoval of the actuator is necessary.

In some embodiments, the implantable implant 20 can be made with aportion of, or entirely of, an engineered cellular structure thatincludes a network of pores, microstructures and nanostructures tofacilitate osteosynthesis. For example, the engineered cellularstructure can comprise an interconnected network of pores and othermicro and nano sized structures that take on a mesh-like appearance.These engineered cellular structures can be provided by etching orblasting to change the surface of the device on the nano level. One typeof etching process may utilize, for example, HF acid treatment. Inaddition, these cages can also include internal imaging markers thatallow the user to properly align the implantable implant 20 andgenerally facilitate insertion through visualization during navigation.The imaging marker shows up as a solid body amongst the mesh underx-ray, fluoroscopy or CT scan, for example.

Another benefit provided by the implantable implant 20 of the presentdisclosure is that they are able to be specifically customized to thepatient's needs. Customization of the implantable implant 20 is relevantto providing a preferred modulus matching between the implant device andthe various qualities and types of bone being treated, such as forexample, cortical versus cancellous, apophyseal versus central, andsclerotic versus osteopenic bone, each of which has its own differentcompression to structural failure data. Likewise, similar data can alsobe generated for various implant designs, such as for example, porousversus solid, trabecular versus non-trabecular, etc. Such data may becadaveric, or computer finite element generated. Clinical correlationwith, for example, DEXA data can also allow implantable devices to bedesigned specifically for use with sclerotic, normal, or osteopenicbone. Thus, the ability to provide customized implantable devices suchas the ones provided herein allow the matching of the Elastic Modulus ofComplex Structures (EMOCS), which enable implantable devices to beengineered to minimize mismatch, mitigate subsidence and optimizehealing, thereby providing better clinical outcomes.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-3C, the intervertebral implant 20 includes animplant body 28 and an actuator 29 that is disposed in the implant body28. The actuator 29 is configured to drive the implant body 28, and thusthe intervertebral implant 20, to expand from the first insertionconfiguration to the second expanded configuration. The implant body 28,and thus the intervertebral implant 20, defines a distal end 30 and aproximal end 32 opposite the distal end 30. Thus, a distal direction isdefined as a direction from the proximal end 32 toward the distal end30. Conversely, a proximal direction is defined as a direction from thedistal end toward the proximal end 32. The distal and proximaldirections can be oriented along a longitudinal direction L. Thelongitudinal direction L can be perpendicular to each of the transversedirection T and the lateral direction A. The distal end 30 defines aleading end with respect to an insertion direction into theintervertebral space, and the proximal end 32 defines a trailing endwith respect to the insertion direction into the intervertebral space.

Referring now in particular to FIGS. 2A-2B, the implant body 28 includesa superior body 34 and an inferior body 36 opposite the superior body 34along the transverse direction T. The superior body 34 defines anexterior superior surface 35 that is configured to face and abut thesuperior vertebra 24, and the inferior body 36 defines an exteriorinferior surface 37 that is configured to face and abut the inferiorvertebra 26, respectively. In one example, the superior and inferiorbodies 34 and 36 can define projections in the form of teeth, spikes,ridges, or the like, that are configured to grip the superior andinferior bodies 34 and 36 so as to limit or prevent migration of theintervertebral implant 20 in the intervertebral space.

The superior body 34 can be split into a first superior body portion 34a and a second superior body portion 34 b. The first and second superiorbody portions 34 a and 34 b can be aligned with each other along thelateral direction A. Further, the first and second superior bodyportions 34 a and 34 b can be mirror images of each other. The implantbody 28 can include an expandable superior mesh portion 38 that extendsbetween the first superior body portion 34 a and the second superiorbody portion 34 b. For instance, the superior mesh portion 38 can extendfrom the first superior body portion 34 a to the second superior bodyportion 34 b. Thus, the superior mesh portion 38 couples the firstsuperior body portion 34 a to the second superior body portion 34 b. Thesuperior mesh portion 38 can extend to the distal end of the implantbody 28, or can terminate at a location spaced in the proximal directionfrom the distal end of the implant body 28. The superior mesh portion 38can be oriented along the lateral direction A. Therefore, as will bedescribed in more detail below, the superior mesh portion 38 isexpandable so as to permit one or both of the first and second superiorbody portions 34 a and 34 b to move away from the other of the first andsecond superior body portions 34 a and 34 b as the intervertebralimplant 20 expands along the lateral direction A.

The implant body 28 can define a base 40 that is positioned such thatthe first and second superior body portions 34 a and 34 b extend in thedistal direction from the base 40. The base 40 can define the proximalend 32 of the implant body 28, and can further define an aperture thatis configured to receive an actuation tool that is configured to applyan actuation force to the actuator 29. The base 40 can be configured asan annular body that extends continuously about the perimeter of theimplant body 28. Thus, in one example, the base 40 can lie in a planethat is oriented along the transverse direction T and the lateraldirection A. When the intervertebral implant 20 is in the firstinsertion configuration, the first and second superior body portions 34a and 34 b can extend parallel to each other. Further, the first andsecond superior body portions 34 a and 34 b can be spaced from eachother by a first distance when the intervertebral implant 20 is in thefirst insertion configuration. Alternatively, the first and secondsuperior body portions 34 a and 34 b can abut each other when theintervertebral implant 20 is in the first insertion configuration.

The inferior body 36 can be split into a first inferior body portion 36a and a second inferior body portion 36 b. The first and second inferiorbody portions 36 a and 36 b can be aligned with each other along thelateral direction A. Further, the first and second inferior bodyportions 36 a and 36 b can be mirror images of each other. The firstinferior body portion 36 a can be aligned with the first superior bodyportion 34 a along the transverse direction T. Similarly, the secondinferior body portion 36 b can be aligned with the second superior bodyportion 34 b along the transverse direction T. The implant body 28 caninclude an expandable inferior mesh portion 42 that extends from thefirst inferior body portion 36 a and the second inferior body portion 36b. For instance, the inferior mesh portion 42 can extend from the firstinferior body portion 36 a to the second inferior body portion 36 b.Thus, the inferior mesh portion 42 couples the first superior bodyportion 34 a to the second superior body portion 34 b. The inferior meshportion 42 can further extend in the distal direction from the base 40.The inferior mesh portion 42 can extend to the distal end of the implantbody 28, or can terminate at a location spaced in the proximal directionfrom the distal end of the implant body 28. The inferior mesh portion 42can be oriented along the lateral direction A. Therefore, as will bedescribed in more detail below, the inferior mesh portion 42 isexpandable so as to permit one or both of the first and second inferiorbody portions 36 a and 36 b to move away from the other of the first andsecond superior body portions 36 a and 36 b as the intervertebralimplant 20 expands along the lateral direction A.

The first and second inferior body portions 36 a and 36 b can extend inthe distal direction from the base 40. When the intervertebral implant20 is in the first insertion configuration, the first and secondinferior body portions 36 a and 36 b can extend parallel to each other.Further, the first and second inferior body portions 36 a and 36 b canbe spaced from each other by a first distance when the intervertebralimplant 20 is in the first insertion configuration. Alternatively, thefirst and second superior body portions 36 a and 36 b can abut eachother when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the first insertionconfiguration.

The implant body 28 can further include an expandable first side meshportion 44 that extends between the first superior body portion 34 a tothe first inferior body portion 36 a. For instance, the first side meshportion 44 can extend from the first superior body portion 34 a to thefirst inferior body portion 36 a. Thus, the first side mesh portion 44couples the first superior body portion 34 a to the first superior bodyportion 34 a. The first side mesh portion 44 can further extend in thedistal direction from the base 40. The first side mesh portion 44 canextend to the distal end of the implant body 28, or can terminate at alocation spaced in the proximal direction from the distal end of theimplant body 28. The first side mesh portion 44 can be orientedgenerally in the transverse direction T. Therefore, as will be describedin more detail below, the first side mesh portion 44 is expandable alongthe transverse direction T so as to permit one or both of the firstsuperior body portion 34 a and the first inferior body portion 36 a tomove away from the other of the first superior body portion 34 a and thefirst inferior body portion 36 a as the intervertebral implant 20expands along the transverse direction T.

The implant body 28 can further include an expandable second side meshportion 46 that extends between the second superior body portion 34 b tothe second inferior body portion 36 b. For instance, the second sidemesh portion 46 can extend from the second superior body portion 34 b tothe second inferior body portion 36 b. Thus, the second side meshportion 46 couples the second superior body portion 34 b to the secondsuperior body portion 34 b. The second side mesh portion 46 can furtherextend in the distal direction from the base 40. The second side meshportion 46 can extend to the distal end of the implant body 28, or canterminate at a location spaced in the proximal direction from the distalend of the implant body 28. The second side mesh portion 46 can beoriented generally in the transverse direction T. Thus, as will bedescribed in more detail below, the second side mesh portion 46 isexpandable along the transverse direction so as to permit one or both ofthe second superior body portion 34 b and the second inferior bodyportion 36 b to move away from the other of the first superior bodyportion 34 b and the first inferior body portion 36 b as theintervertebral implant 20 expands along the transverse direction T.

In one example, the implant body 28 can be configured such that the base40 in combination with the first and second superior body portions 34a-34 b and the first and second inferior body portions 36 a-36 b definea frame 48. The implant body 28 can thus include the frame 48 and themesh portions 38, 42, 44, and 46 that each can extend in the distaldirection from the base 40. The first and second superior body portions34 a-34 b and the first and second inferior body portions 36 a-36 b canbe configured as arms that extend out from the frame 48 in the distaldirection. Further, the first and second superior body portions 34 a-34b and the first and second inferior body portions 36 a-36 b can definerespective corners of an outer perimeter of the implant body in a planethat is oriented along each of the transverse direction T and thelateral direction A.

As shown, the first and second superior body portions 34 a and 34 b canbe L-shaped in a plane that is oriented along the transverse direction Tand the lateral direction A. That is, the first and second superior bodyportions 34 a and 34 b can each have a first region that extendslaterally so as to define the exterior superior surface 35, and a secondregion that extends inferiorly toward the first and second inferior bodyportions 36 a and 36 b, respectively. Similarly, the first and secondinferior body portions 36 a and 36 b can be L-shaped in the plane thatis oriented along the transverse direction T and the lateral directionA. That is, the first and second inferior body portions 36 a and 36 bcan each have a respective first region that extends laterally so as todefine the exterior inferior surface 37, and a second region thatextends superiorly toward the first and second superior body portions 36a and 36 b, respectively.

Thus, the superior mesh portion 38 can extend from the first region ofthe first superior body portion 34 a to the first region of the secondsuperior body portion 34 b. The inferior mesh portion can extend fromthe first region of the first inferior body portion 36 a to the firstregion of the second inferior body portion 36 b. The first side meshportion 44 can extend from the second region of the first superior bodyportion 34 a to the second region of the first inferior body portion 36a. The second side mesh portion 46 can extend from the second region ofthe second superior body portion 36 a to the second region of the secondinferior body portion 36 b. It is recognized that any one or more up toall of the mesh portions can be interrupted by one or more additionalsuperior body portions, inferior body portions, or side body portions.

The second regions of the first superior body portion 34 a and the firstinferior body portion 36 a can define respective first and secondportions of a first side wall 50 of the implant body 28. The secondregions of the second superior body portion 34 b and the second inferiorbody portion 36 b can define respective first and second portions of asecond side wall 52 of the implant body 28. Thus, the first and secondportions of the first and second side walls 50 and 52, respectively arecontinuous with the first regions of the first and second superior bodyportions 34 a and 34 b, and the first and second inferior body portions36 a and 36 b, respectively, along a respective plane that is orientedalong the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A in oneexample. In other examples, the first and second portions of the firstand second side walls 50 and 52, respectively, can be spaced from thefirst and second superior body portions 34 a and 34 b, and the first andsecond inferior body portions 36 a and 36 b, respectively, along therespective plane that is oriented along the transverse direction T andthe lateral direction A.

The first and second superior body portions 34 a and 34 b and the firstand second inferior body portions 36 a and 36 b can extend in the distaldirection from the base 40. When the intervertebral implant 20 is in thefirst insertion configuration, the first and second inferior bodyportions 36 a and 36 b can extend parallel to each other. Further, thefirst and second inferior body portions 36 a and 36 b can be spaced fromeach other by a first distance when the intervertebral implant 20 is inthe first insertion configuration. Alternatively, the first and secondsuperior body portions 36 a and 36 b can abut each other when theintervertebral implant 20 is in the first insertion configuration.Similarly, the first superior body portion 34 a and the first inferiorbody portion 36 a can extend parallel to each other. Further, the firstsuperior body portion 34 a and the first inferior body portion 36 a canbe spaced from each other, for instance by the first distance, when theintervertebral implant 20 is in the first insertion configuration.Alternatively, the first superior body portion 34 a and the firstinferior body portion 36 a can abut each other when the intervertebralimplant 20 is in the first insertion configuration. Similarly still, thesecond superior body portion 34 b and the second inferior body portion36 b can extend parallel to each other. Further, the second superiorbody portion 34 b and the second inferior body portion 36 b can bespaced from each other, for instance by the first distance, when theintervertebral implant 20 is in the first insertion configuration.Alternatively, the second superior body portion 34 b and the secondinferior body portion 36 b can abut each other when the intervertebralimplant 20 is in the first insertion configuration.

The distal end 30 of the implant body 28 can be tapered so as tofacilitate insertion of the intervertebral implant 20 into theintervertebral space. That is, each of the first and second superiorbody portions 34 a-34 b and the first and second inferior body portions36 a and 36 b can be tapered toward at least one or more up to all ofthe other of the first and second superior body portions 34 a-34 b andthe first and second inferior body portions 36 a and 36 b at the distalend 30 of the implant body 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the implant body 28 is configured tosupport the actuator 29 in an actuation cavity 50 of the implant body28. In particular, the actuator 29 can be disposed in the actuationcavity 50 as-manufactured in an additive manufacturing process. Thus,the actuator 29 need not be separately inserted into the actuationcavity 50 in one example. Further, the actuator 29 can be dimensionedsuch that it is not able to be inserted into the actuation cavity. Itshould be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure is notlimited to additively manufacturing the intervertebral implant 20 unlessotherwise indicated.

The actuator 29 can include a shaft portion 53 and an enlarged head 54that extends out from the shaft portion 53 along the transversedirection T and the lateral direction A. For instance, the enlarged head54 can extend out from the shaft portion 53 along the transversedirection T both superiorly and inferiorly, and can further extend outfrom the shaft portion 53 in opposite lateral directions A. The enlargedhead 54 defines first and second lateral expansion surfaces 55 and firstand second transverse expansion surfaces 57. The enlarged head 54 canextend out from a distal terminal end of the shaft portion 53. Theimplant body 28 can guide the actuator 29 to translate along thelongitudinal direction L in the actuation cavity upon application of anactuation force to the actuator 29 along the longitudinal direction L.For instance, the implant body 28 can include one or more guide arms 33that are oriented along the longitudinal direction L and are received ina slot 31 of the actuator 29, thereby guiding the actuator 29 totranslate along the longitudinal direction L. As will be described inmore detail below, the enlarged head 54 is configured to urge theimplant body 28 to expand along the first and second directions ofexpansion. While the enlarged head 54 defines the lateral and transverseexpansion surfaces 55 and 57 in one example, it should be appreciatedthat any portion of the actuator 29 can alternatively define the lateraland transverse expansion surfaces 55 and 57, such as the shaft portion53 of the actuator 29.

The implant body 28 can define first and second inner side surfaces 56and 58 that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A.The inner side surfaces 56 and 58 can be ramped so as to extend alongthe lateral direction A as they extend along the longitudinal directionL. That is, each of the first and second inner side surfaces 56 and 58can include respective first and second ramped inner side surfaces 60and 62 at a lateral expansion region 59 of the implant body 62. Thefirst and second ramped side surfaces 60 and 62 each taper inward towardthe other of the first and second inner side surfaces 56 and 58 as theyextend in the distal direction. The first and second ramped sidesurfaces 60 can be mirror images of each other with respect to amidplane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L and thetransverse direction T. Thus, the first and second ramped side surfaces60 and 62 can define equal and opposite slopes in one example. Further,the first and second ramped side surfaces 60 and 62 can be aligned witheach other along the lateral direction A. Alternatively, the slopes ofthe first and second ramped side surfaces 60 and 62 can be differentthan each other. The first ramped side surface 60 can be defined by boththe first superior body portion 34 a and the first inferior body portion36 a. Similarly, the second ramped side surface 62 can be defined byboth the second superior body portion 34 b and the second inferior bodyportion 36 b.

The implant body 28 can define an inner superior surface 64 and an innerinferior surface 66 that are spaced from each other along the transversedirection T. The inner superior surface 64 and the inner inferiorsurface 66 can be ramped along the transverse direction T as they extendalong the longitudinal direction L at a transverse expansion region 61of the implant body 28. That is, the inner superior surface 64 defines asuperior ramped surface 65, and the inner inferior surface 66 defines aninferior ramped surface 67. The ramped surfaces 65 and 67 each taperinward toward the other of the inner superior surface 64 and the innerinferior surface 66 as they extend in the distal direction. The superiorramped surface 65 and the inferior ramped surface 67 can define equaland opposite slopes in one example. Alternatively, the slopes of thesuperior and inferior ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can be different thaneach other.

One or both of the ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can be stepped. Thus, theramped surfaces 65 and 67 can include ramped surface segments 68 andrisers 70 disposed between adjacent ramped surface segments 68. Therisers 70 can have a slope greater than that of the ramped surfacesegments 68. Further, each of the risers 70 the superior ramped surface65 can have the same slope, and each of the risers 70 of the inferiorramped surface 67 can have the same slope. The risers 70 of the superiorramped surface 65 and of the inferior ramped surface 67 can have thesame slope as each other. The risers 70 can have a length along thelongitudinal direction L that is less than the length of the rampedsurface segments 68 along the longitudinal direction L.

The ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can be mirror images of each other about amidplane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L and thelateral direction T. Thus, each of the ramped surface segments 68 of thesuperior ramped surface 65 can have the same slope, and each of theramped surface segments 68 of the inferior ramped surface 67 can havethe same slope. Further, the ramped surface segments 68 of the superiorramped surface 65 and the ramped surface segments 68 of the inferiorramped surface 67 can have the same slope as each other. The rampedsurfaces 65 and 67 can be aligned with each other along the transversedirection T, such that the ramped surface segments 68 of the rampedsurfaces 65 and 67 can be aligned with each other along the transversedirection T, and the risers 70 of the ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can bealigned with each other along the transverse direction T.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3C, the actuator 29 can define atleast one actuator ratchet tooth 72 such as a plurality of actuatorratchet teeth 72. The actuator ratchet teeth 72 can be on one side ofthe actuator 29 or on opposed sides of the actuator 29. In one example,the actuator 29 includes first and second rows of actuator ratchet teeth72 that are oriented along the longitudinal direction. The first andsecond rows of actuator ratchet teeth 72 can be opposite each otheralong the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the first and secondrows of actuator ratchet teeth 72 can be opposite each other along thelateral direction A. Alternatively still, the actuator ratchet teeth 72can have a length that extends about the actuator 29 a distancesufficient to define first and second portions at locations of theactuator 29 that are opposite each other. The actuator ratchet teeth 72can be disposed on the shaft portion 53 of the actuator 29, but can bealternatively disposed as desired.

The implant body 28 can further define at least one implant ratchettooth 74 that is configured to interlock with the at least one actuatorratchet tooth 72. The ratchet teeth 72 and 74 are configured tointerlock so as to resist movement of the actuator 29 both in anexpansion direction that causes the implant body 28 to iterate from thefirst insertion configuration toward the second expanded configuration,and in a contraction direction that causes the implant body to iteratefrom the second expanded configuration toward the first insertionconfiguration. In one example, the implant body 28 can include first andsecond rows of at least one implant ratchet tooth 74. The first andsecond rows of the at least one implant ratchet tooth can be alignedwith the first and second rows of the at least one actuator tooth 72.Thus, the first and second rows of at least one implant ratchet toothcan interlock with first and second rows of at least one actuatorratchet tooth 72.

Further, the at least one actuator ratchet tooth 72 and the at least oneimplant ratchet tooth 74 can cam over each other as the actuator 29 istranslated with respect to the implant body 28 along the longitudinaldirection L. For instance, at least one or both of the at least oneactuator ratchet tooth 72 and the at least one implant ratchet tooth 74is displaceable away from the other of the at least one actuator ratchettooth 72 and the at least one implant ratchet tooth 74.

In one example, the implant body 28 includes at least one flexible arm76 that carries the at least one implant ratchet tooth 74. The at leastone implant ratchet tooth 74 can be a single ratchet tooth 74 asillustrated, or a plurality of ratchet teeth 74. For instance, theimplant body 28 includes first and second flexible arms 76 that eachcarry at least one implant ratchet tooth 74. Further, the at least oneactuator tooth 72 is configured as a plurality of actuator teeth 72. Asthe actuator 29 is translated along the distal direction and theproximal direction, selectively, the at least one implant ratchet toothcams 74 over the actuator teeth 72 as the flexible arm 76 resilientlydeflects away from the actuator teeth 72. When the at least one implantratchet tooth 74 is disposed between adjacent ones of the actuator teeth72, the teeth 72 and 74 define a mechanical interference with each otherto prevent inadvertent movement of the actuator 29. The mechanicalinterference can be overcome by application of an actuation force to theactuator 29 along the longitudinal direction. The actuator 29 can beguided to translate in the implant body 28 such that the actuatorratchet teeth 72 are aligned with the implant ratchet teeth 74 along thelongitudinal direction L. That is, the implant body 28 can prevent theactuator 29 from rotating with respect to the implant body an amountthat would bring the actuator teeth 72 out of longitudinal alignmentwith the implant ratchet teeth.

While each of the arms 76 carry a single implant ratchet tooth 74 andthe actuator 29 carries a plurality of actuator ratchet teeth 72 in theillustrated example, other configurations are envisioned. For instance,each row of the implant body 28 can alternatively include a plurality ofimplant ratchet teeth 74 that are configured to intermesh with the atleast one actuator ratchet tooth 72. Further, each row of the actuator29 can include a single actuator ratchet tooth 72 or a plurality ofactuator ratchet teeth 72. Further still, the actuator ratchet teeth 72can be disposed on deflectable actuator arms if desired.

In still another example, referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the actuator 29 canbe rotatable about its central longitudinal axis. Thus, when theactuator is in a first rotational position, the actuator ratchet teeth72 can be out of alignment with the implant ratchet teeth 74 withrespect to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the actuator 29 can befreely translatable in the implant body 28 along the longitudinaldirection L without causing the actuator ratchet teeth 72 tomechanically interfere with the implant ratchet teeth 74. Once theactuator 29 has been translated to a desired longitudinal position, theactuator 29 can be rotated to a second rotational position, whereby theat least one implant ratchet tooth 74 is disposed between adjacent onesof the actuator ratchet teeth 72. In one example, the second rotationalposition can be ninety degrees offset from the first rotationalposition. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one actuator tooth72 can be disposed between adjacent ones of a plurality of implantratchet teeth 74. When the actuator 29 is in the second rotationalposition, mechanical interference defined by the ratchet teeth 72 and 74prevent movement of the actuator 29 relative to the implant body 28along the longitudinal direction L.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-5C in general, operation of the intervertebralimplant 20 will now be described. In particular, the actuator 29 ismovable in the implant body 28 from an initial position shown in FIG. 4Ato a first expansion position shown in FIG. 4B, and subsequently fromthe first expansion position to a second expansion position, shown inFIGS. 5B-5C. Movement of the actuator 29 from the initial position tothe first expansion position causes the actuator 29 to urge the implantbody 28 to expand along a first direction of expansion from the firstconfiguration shown in FIG. 4A to the first expansion shown in FIG. 4B.Movement of the actuator 29 from the first expansion position to thesecond expansion position causes the actuator 29 to urge the implantbody 28 to expand along the second direction of expansion that isperpendicular to the first direction of expansion, as illustrated inFIGS. 5B-5C. In one example, the actuator 29 is translatable in thedistal direction from the initial position to the first expansionposition, and further from the first expansion position to the secondexpansion position. For instance, the actuator 29 can translate in thedistal direction without undergoing rotation. Alternatively, in analternative example the actuator 29 can be configured as a screw thatrotates as it translates in the distal direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B in particular, when the actuator 29 is inthe initial position, the implant body 28 is in the first or initialconfiguration. When the implant body 28 is in the first or initialconfiguration, the implant body 28 defines a first width along thelateral direction A and a first height along the transverse direction T.Further, when the actuator 29 is in the initial position, the enlargedhead 54 can be spaced from the ramped side surfaces 60 and 62 in theproximal direction. Alternatively, the enlarged head 54 can be alignedwith the ramped side surfaces 60 and 62 along the lateral direction A.Accordingly, when the actuator 29 is in the initial position, theactuator has not yet urged the implant body to expand along the firstdirection of expansion, which can be defined by the lateral direction A.

As the actuator 29 is translated in the distal direction from the firstor initial position to the first expansion position in the lateralexpansion region 59, the lateral expansion surfaces 55 ride along thefirst and second ramped side surfaces 60 and 62, thereby expanding theimplant body 28 along the lateral direction A from the initialconfiguration to a laterally expanded configuration, which can definethe first expansion. The implant body 28 defines a first lateraldistance between the proximal ends of the ramped side surfaces 60 and 62along the lateral direction A, and a second lateral distance between thedistal ends of the ramped side surfaces that is less than the firstlateral distance. Therefore, as the lateral expansion surfaces 55 ridealong the first and second ramped side surfaces 60 and 62, the lateralexpansion surface 55 urges the implant body 28 to expand along firstdirection of expansion to a second width along the lateral direction Athat is greater than the first width. The first and second widths can bemeasured from the outer surface of the first side wall 50 to the outersurface of the second side wall 52.

In particular, each of the superior body 34 and the inferior body 36 canexpand along the lateral direction A. For instance, the actuator 29urges at least one or both of the first superior body portion 34 a andthe second superior body portion 34 b (see FIG. 2A) away from the otherof the first superior body portion 34 a and the second superior bodyportion 34 b along the lateral direction A. Further, the actuator 29urges at least one or both of the first inferior body portion 36 a andthe second inferior body portion 36 b (see FIG. 2B) away from the otherof the first inferior body portion 36 a and the second inferior bodyportion 36 b along the lateral direction A. Further still, the actuator29 can urge either or both of the first side wall 50 and the second sidewall 52 away from the other of the first side wall 50 and the secondside wall 52. The superior and inferior mesh portions 38 and 42 canexpand along the lateral direction A as the implant body 28 expandsalong the lateral direction A.

While in one example the first and second inner side surfaces 56 and 58are ramped, it should be appreciated that alternatively or additionallythe lateral expansion surfaces 55 can be ramped. That is, the lateralexpansion surfaces can be tapered toward each other along the lateraldirection A as they extend in the distal direction. Thus, as theactuator 29 moves in the distal direction, the lateral expansionsurfaces 55 can urge the implant body 28 to expand along the lateraldirection A.

As described above, the first and second superior body portions 34 a-34b and the first and second inferior body portions 36 a-36 b can eachextend distally from the base 40. Thus, as the implant body 28 expandsalong the first direction of expansion, the first and second superiorbody portions 34 a-34 b and the first and second inferior body portions36 a-36 b can flex laterally outward with respect to the base 40. Thus,the width of the implant body 28 along the lateral direction A at theproximal ends of the first and second superior body portions 34 a-34 band the first and second inferior body portions 36 a-36 b can be lessthan the width of the implant body 28 along the lateral direction A atthe distal ends of the first and second superior body portions 34 a-34 band the first and second inferior body portions 36 a-36 b.

Referring now also to FIGS. 5A-5C, when the implant body 28 has expandedalong the first direction of expansion, the actuator can be furthertranslated along the distal direction from the first expansion positionto the second expansion position, thereby expanding the implant to thesecond or expanded configuration. The second expansion position can beany position that causes the implant body 28 to expand along the seconddirection of expansion after expansion along the lateral direction A hascompleted. As will now be described, the second direction of expansioncauses at least one or both of the superior and inferior bodies 34 and36 to move away from the other of the superior and inferior bodies 34and 36.

When the actuator 29 is in the first expansion position, the implantbody 28 has a first height along the transverse direction T. The implantbody 28 also has the first height when the actuator 29 is in the initialposition and the implant body 28 is in the first or initialconfiguration. Further, when the actuator 29 is in the first expansionposition, the enlarged head 54 can be spaced from the superior rampedsurface 65 and the inferior ramped surface 67 along the proximaldirection. Alternatively, the enlarged head 54 can be aligned with thesuperior and inferior ramped surfaces 65 and 67 along the transversedirection T. When the actuator 29 is in the first expansion position,the actuator 29 has not yet urged the implant body 28 to expand alongthe second direction of expansion, which can be defined by thetransverse direction T.

As the actuator 29 is translated in the distal direction from the firstexpansion position toward the second expansion position, the transverseexpansion surfaces 57 ride along the superior ramped surface 65 and theinferior ramped surface 67, thereby urging the implant body 28 to expandalong the transverse direction T. The implant body 28 defines a firstdistance between the proximal ends of the superior and inferior rampedsurfaces 65 and 67 along the transverse direction T, and a secondtransverse distance between the distal ends of the superior and inferiorramped surfaces 65 and 67 that is less than the first transversedistance. Therefore, as the transverse expansion surfaces 57 ride alongthe superior and inferior ramped surfaces 65 and 67, the transverseexpansion surfaces 57 urge the implant body 28 to expand along thetransverse direction A to a second height along the transverse directionT that is greater than the first height. In particular, the actuator 29urges at least one or both of the superior body 34 and the inferior body36 (see FIG. 2A) away from the other of the superior body 34 and theinferior body 36 along the transverse direction T. The first and secondside mesh portions 44 and 46 can expand along the transverse directionas the implant body 28 expands along the transverse direction T. Themesh portions 38, 42, 44, and 46 can be constructed in accordance withany suitable embodiment as desired. In one example, the mesh portionscan include a plurality of interconnected links that are movable withrespect to each other so as to allow the mesh portions to expand alongthe respective directions.

As illustrated in FIG. 5C, when the implant 20 has been fully expandedalong the second direction of expansion, the superior ramped surface 65and the inferior ramped surface 67 can transition from the slopesdescribed above to a second orientation that is less angled with respectto the longitudinal direction L. For instance, at least one or more ofthe superior and inferior ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can be orientedsubstantially along the longitudinal direction L, such as within +/−fivedegrees of the longitudinal direction L.

As described above, the superior and inferior bodies 34 and 36 can eachextend distally from the base 40. Thus, as the implant body 28 expandsalong the second direction of expansion, the superior and inferiorbodies 34 and 36 can flex outward with respect to the base 40 along thetransverse direction T. Thus, the height of the implant body 28 alongthe transverse direction T at the proximal ends of the superior andinferior bodies 34 and 36 can be less than the height of the implantbody 28 along the transverse direction T at the distal ends of thesuperior and inferior bodies 34 and 36. As a result, expansion of theimplant body 28 along the second direction of expansion can change, forinstance increase, a lordotic angle defined by the exterior superiorsurface 35 and the exterior inferior surface 37. Further expansion ofthe implant body 28 along the second direction of expansion can furtherchange the lordotic angle.

As described above, the ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can include rampedsurface segments 68 and risers 70 disposed between adjacent rampedsurface segments 68. Thus, as the actuator 29 translates distally thetransverse expansion surfaces 57 alternatingly ride along the rampedsurface segments 68 and risers 70. The implant body 28 can achieve afully expanded height when the actuator 29 has translated to a positionwhereby the actuator 29 can no longer be translated along the distaldirection. Further as described above, the implant body 28 and theactuator 29 include respective ratchet teeth 72 and 74 that areconfigured to engage each other so as to lock the implant body 28 in thesecond or expanded position. When the ratchet teeth 72 and 74 engageeach other, the actuator 29 can be prevented from translating in theproximal direction with respect to the implant body 28. In particular,at least one of the proximal surface of the implant ratchet teeth 74 andthe distal surface of the actuator ratchet teeth 72 can be oriented toprevent the ratchet teeth 72 and 74 from camming over each other in theproximal direction. Thus, the actuator 29 can be prevented fromtranslating in the proximal direction with respect to the implant body28.

As a result, the actuator 29 can be translated in the distal directionto a position whereby the transverse expansion surfaces 57 are engagedwith the respective ramped surfaces 65 and 67. The engagement of theratchet teeth 72 and 74 can prevent the actuator 29 from translating inthe proximal direction, which would cause the implant to collapse alongthe transverse direction T. Thus, the implant can be expanded to aposition to a height along the transverse direction T that is less thanthe fully expanded height. Further, the ratchet teeth 72 and 74 canengage when the actuator 29 is in the first expansion position. Thus,the implant 28 can be locked in the laterally expanded configuration soas to prevent contraction of the implant 28 along the lateral directionA without expanding along the transverse direction T. Further, theimplant 28 can be locked in the laterally expanded configuration and ina transverse expanded configuration having an expanded height less thanthe fully expanded height. Accordingly, expansion of the implant 20along the transverse direction T can be controlled after the implant 20has been fully expanded along the lateral direction A.

The first and second inner side surfaces 56 and 58 at the transverseexpansion region 61 can be oriented along respective planes that aredefined by the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction Lwhen the implant 20 has achieved the first expansion. Thus, as thelateral expansion surfaces 55 ride along the first and second inner sidesurfaces 56 and 58 as the actuator translates in the distal translationof the actuator 29 in the transverse expansion region 61, the lateralexpansion surfaces 55 do not urge the implant body 28 to expand alongthe lateral direction A. Accordingly, distal translation of the actuatorhead 54 in the transverse expansion region 61 causes the implant toexpand along the transverse direction T without expanding along thelateral direction A. Alternatively, the first and second inner sidesurfaces 56 and 68 can be sloped inwardly toward each other along thelateral direction A as they extend in the distal direction. Thus, distaltranslation of the actuator 29 in the transverse expansion region 61 cancause the lateral expansion surfaces 55 of the actuator 29 urge theimplant body 28 to further expand along the lateral direction A. In oneexample, the slope of the first and second inner side surfaces 56 and 68can be less than the slope of the ramped inner side surfaces 60 and 62.

While in one example the superior and inferior surfaces 64 and 66,respectively, are ramped, it should be appreciated that alternatively oradditionally the transverse expansion surfaces 57 can be ramped. Thatis, transverse expansion surfaces 57 can be tapered toward each otheralong the transverse direction T as they extend in the distal direction.Thus, as the actuator 29 moves in the distal direction, the transverseexpansion surfaces 57 can urge the implant body 28 to expand along thelateral direction T.

As described above, at least a portion up to an entirety of thetransverse expansion region 61 can be disposed distal of the lateralexpansion region 59. Thus, at least respective portions up to respectiveentireties of the superior and inferior ramped surfaces 65 and 67 can bedisposed distal of the ramped side surfaces 60 and 62. Accordingly, inone example, movement of the actuator 29 from the initial position tothe first expansion position does not urge the implant body 28 to expandalong the second direction of expansion. Alternatively, a portion of thevertical expansion region 61 can partially overlap the lateral expansionregion 59. Accordingly, the implant body 28 can further expand along thelateral direction A as it expands along the transverse direction T. Inboth examples, at least a portion of the vertical expansion region 61extends distal of the lateral expansion region 59, and the implant isexpandable along the transverse direction T without expanding along thelateral direction A.

As described above, the first direction of expansion can be along thelateral direction A, and the second direction of expansion can be alongthe transverse direction T. Alternatively, the first direction ofexpansion can be along the transverse direction T, and the seconddirection of expansion can be along the lateral direction A. In thisregard, at least a portion of the lateral expansion region 59 can bedisposed distal of the transverse expansion region 61.

It should be appreciated that the illustrations and discussions of theembodiments shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only, andshould not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the artwill appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates variousembodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the conceptsdescribed above with the above-described embodiments may be employedalone or in combination with any of the other embodiments describedabove. It should be further appreciated that the various alternativeembodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodimentcan apply to all embodiments as described herein, unless otherwiseindicated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for implanting an intervertebralimplant, the method comprising the steps of: inserting theintervertebral implant into an intervertebral space, such that asuperior body of the intervertebral endplate faces a superior vertebra,and an inferior body of the intervertebral implant faces an inferiorvertebra; moving an actuator of the implant from an initial position toa first expansion position, such that the actuator urges the implantbody to expand along a first direction of expansion without urging theimplant body to expand along a second direction of expansion that isperpendicular to the first direction; and subsequently moving theactuator from the first expansion position to a second expansionposition, such that the actuator urges the implant body to expand alongthe second direction of expansion.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein themoving and subsequently moving steps are in a distal direction.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the first direction of expansion isperpendicular to the distal direction, and the second direction ofexpansion is perpendicular to the distal direction and the firstdirection.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the moving and subsequentlymoving steps comprise causing a head of the actuator to urge the implantbody to expand along the first and second directions of expansion,respectively.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsequently movingsteps does not cause the actuator to urge the implant body to expandalong the first direction of expansion.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the moving step causes each of the superior body and theinferior body to laterally expand, and the subsequently moving stepcauses at least one of the superior and inferior bodies to move awayfrom the other of the superior and inferior bodies along a verticaldirection.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the moving step comprisesengaging the actuator with opposed ramped inner side surfaces of theimplant, and the subsequently moving step comprises engaging theactuator with opposed ramped superior and inferior surfaces that arespaced distally from the ramped inner side surfaces, and the moving andsubsequently moving steps comprise moving the actuator distally.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the ramped inner superior and inferiorsurfaces are stepped.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the actuatorcomprises a shaft portion and an enlarged head that extends out from theshaft portion along both the first and second directions of expansion,and the moving and subsequently moving steps comprise causing theenlarged head to urge the implant body to expand along the first andsecond directions of expansion.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thesubsequently moving step comprises changing a lordotic angle defined byan exterior superior surface of the superior body and an externalinferior surface of the inferior body.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the subsequently moving step comprises increasing the lordoticangle.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the implant body comprises aframe that includes a base and each of the superior and inferior bodiesthat extends distally from the base.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe subsequently moving step comprises causing the superior and inferiorbodies to flex about the base as the implant body expands along thesecond direction of expansion.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein 1) thesuperior body comprises a first superior body portion, a second superiorbody portion, and a superior expandable mesh that couples the firstsuperior body portion to the second superior body portion, and 2) theinferior body portion comprises a first inferior body portion, a secondinferior body portion, and an inferior expandable mesh that couples thefirst inferior body portion to the second inferior body portion.
 15. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the moving step comprises 1) causing at leastone of the first and second superior body portions to move away from theother of the first and second superior body portions, and 2) causing atleast one of the first and second inferior body portions to move awayfrom the other of the first and second inferior body portions.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the moving step comprises expanding asuperior mesh that extends between the first and second superior bodyportions, and expanding an inferior mesh that extends between the firstand second inferior body portions.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe subsequently moving step comprises expanding a first side mesh thatcouples the first superior body portion to the first inferior bodyportion, and expanding a second side mesh that couples the secondsuperior body portion to the second inferior body portion.